Juan Velasco Alvarado is a key figure in Peru’s political history, having led the country as a de facto president following a military coup in 1968. Born on June 16, 1910, in Piura to a modest family, Velasco rose through the ranks of the army, eventually becoming a general and then president. His government, known as the "Revolutionary Government of the Armed Forces," is remembered for a series of radical reforms aimed at reshaping the social, political, and economic landscape of Peru.
Velasco began his military career at the Military School of Chorrillos, where he excelled as a leader. He held several key command positions within the Peruvian army and developed a reputation as a committed nationalist officer. In 1968, Velasco led a coup against elected President Fernando Belaúnde Terry, accusing him of economic mismanagement and favoring foreign interests, particularly in the oil sector.
Once in power, Velasco implemented a program of sweeping reforms, often referred to as a "revolution from above." One of his government's most significant actions was the 1969 agrarian reform, which aimed to redistribute land from large estate owners to peasants and indigenous communities. This reform, while popular among rural populations, angered economic elites and landowners, whose interests were directly threatened.
In addition to agrarian reform, Velasco nationalized several key sectors of the economy, including the oil, mining, and electricity industries. He also promoted import substitution policies to encourage domestic industrial development and reduce the country's dependence on foreign goods. Under his leadership, Peru strengthened ties with other developing nations and aligned itself with left-wing movements across Latin America.
On the social front, Velasco sought to strengthen workers' rights and improve living conditions for the lower classes. He adopted a nationalist and anti-imperialist rhetoric, frequently criticizing the influence of the United States and multinational corporations on the Peruvian economy. However, his government was also criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, with press freedoms restricted and political opposition suppressed.
From 1973 onward, Velasco's government faced increasing economic difficulties, exacerbated by falling commodity prices and rampant inflation. His economic management drew growing criticism, even from within the military. In 1975, Velasco was overthrown in an internal coup led by his own Prime Minister and Minister of War, General Francisco Morales Bermúdez.
Despite the abrupt end of his government, Juan Velasco Alvarado’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in Peru’s history. His agrarian reforms and nationalization policies had a lasting impact on the country, significantly altering its social and economic structure. To some, he is regarded as a national hero, a defender of the popular classes, and a champion of social justice. To others, he is seen as an authoritarian leader whose economic policies led to hardship and social divisions. Velasco died on December 24, 1977, after suffering health complications following his ousting from power.